Mitsubishi Materials has launched a new range of small boring bars for Swiss type automatic lathes. Notably, the whole series is available in both solid carbide and steel. The inclusion of both types provides a choice for end users and offers the benefits of deeper boring capability due to the extra rigidity of the carbide type. Additionally, not all components need an extra-deep-hole carbide shank, therefore the cost-effective steel type is also available in all types.

The length of the tools is compatible with Swiss-type automatic lathes, an important criteria, especially where workspace is at a premium. This ready-made-to-length feature negates the costly and time consuming process of cutting the shanks of standard tools to a shorter length to prevent interference.

A comprehensive selection of hard steel bars has recently been introduced to the range. The hard steel body is effective in preventing damage and wear caused by chip evacuation. Hard steel types are available in diameters ranging from 4 to 10 mm diameter for the 7° SCLC, STUC, SDUC, SDQC and SWUC types of holder, and for SCLP and STUP 11° types.

A vast range of different carbide bar diameters, ranging from 4 to 32 mm diameter with a minimum pre-boring diameter of 5 to 34 mm are also available for the 7° SCLC, STUC, SDUC,

SDQC and SWUC types of holder, and for SCLP and STUP 11° types.

Finally, the steel bars range from 12 to 32 mm diameter with a minimum pre-boring diameter of 14 to 40 mm. Again. these are available in the 7° SCLC, STUC, SDUC, SDQC and SWUC types of holder, and for SCLP and STUP 11° types.

More information www.mmc-carbide.com

Machining long-chipping steel materials like stainless steels has always been a challenge. With the development of a new, standardised chip breaker geometry for fine-boring blades, MAPAL says it has achieved a crucial breakthrough that has both technical and economic benefits.

In metal machining, chip formation plays a key role in process reliability, tool life and surface quality. Controlled chip formation is particularly crucial to the fine machining of unalloyed, alloyed and stainless steels.

MAPAL has developed a brand-new approach to chip breaking for fine-boring tools. The solution combines a precisely defined lead and rake angle geometry with optimally adapted cutting data and cutting depths. According to the company, this precise adaptation enables perfect chip formation, even for challenging materials. The result? Optimal chip removal, reduced heat development and much greater process stability.

The benefits of this technology can be seen not only in the quality of the finished workpieces, but in the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing. Less machine downtime and tool wear and greater dimensional accuracy make this approach a real leap forward in machining technology.

Chip breakers are not a new invention, but the idea of implementing standardisation for long-chipping steel materials in fine boring is. The chip-breaker geometry developed by MAPAL combines decades of experience in this area with a clear focus on cost-effectiveness and user orientation. Until now, MAPAL has used chip-breaker technologies for custom solutions. With this new innovation, the company is taking a big step towards standardisation and efficiency.

The fine-boring blades with chip-breaker geometry for unalloyed, alloyed and stainless steels are now available from stock with defined geometries and coatings.

More information www.mapal.com

Together with its customers, Seco, part of Sandvik Group, says it is redefining the management and use of cutting tools, driving greater efficiency and sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.

A key contributor is Seco’s reconditioning programme for solid-carbide tools, helping customers to reduce both environmental impact and tooling costs. Through its reconditioning services, the company is not only extending tool life but also paving the way for smarter, more efficient and sustainable manufacturing.

Traditionally, machine shops discard worn solid-carbide tools, contributing to high operational costs and environmental impact. The Seco reconditioning programme offers an alternative: restoring original tool quality and prolonging life while guaranteeing new tool performance. By bringing the tools back to their original geometry and coating, and extending their lifecycle, machines shops gain from reduced raw material consumption, environmental impact and cutting tool costs.

But the benefits go further. Ongoing geopolitical risks continue to disrupt global supply chains, highlighting the importance of proximity to manufacturers. A more local reconditioning resource not only shortens lead times but also supports broader sustainability goals by enhancing environmental and operational efficiency. Seco continues to grow its global reconditioning presence, with full capabilities across key regions.

In addition to remanufacturing services, Seco also has its own recycling programme for carbide tools. When tools are so worn out that remanufacturing is no longer possible, the company brings them back and ensures responsible recycling into new products.

A key enabler in transforming Seco’s solid-carbide tool offering is digital traceability, powered by data matrix codes. A laser-etched matrix code allows the tracking of each individual tool from production to reconditioning, and eventually recycling. Digital traceability gives real time insight into the status of every tool in the reconditioning loop.

More information www.secotools.com

As ‘lightweighting’ components for e-mobility, aviation and transport need to be manufactured more efficiently, the requirement for advanced aluminium machining solutions has never been greater. Materials in the ISO-N group are becoming increasingly prevalent and, to support this trend, Guhring has introduced its RF 100 AL range of end mills.

The company says this new family of high-end solid-carbide milling cutters in diameters from 1 to 25 mm meets the exacting requirements of modern non-ferrous metal and plastic machining. Of particular note is the new Guhring RF 100 AL Micro, which sits at the micro end of the spectrum. Available in all popular diameter increments from 0.5 to 3.0 mm with cutting lengths of 2.5xD and 5xD, this micro-precision milling cutter delivers high performance even in demanding or intricate applications.

According to Guhring, the RF 100 AL Micro impresses with material removal rates that can reduce cycle times by up to 76% compared with conventional small end mills. Smooth surface finish and effective burr control complement this productivity improvement, while process reliability concerns are eliminated through the tool’s intelligent design.

Key to the RF 100 AL Micro’s performance is a combination of advanced technologies. An ultra-thin Carbo+ coating reduces wear, increases machining performance and extends tool life, which is crucial for the integrity of micro-diameter tools.

The new round bevel chamfer delivers smooth surface finishes, while strengthening the cutting edge to prevent edge chipping and tool breakage, which is critical when machining with small tools. With four or six through-coolant channels incorporated as part of the GühroJet internal cooling system, chip removal is reliable, efficient and prevents the re-cutting of swarf, even in deep cavities. 

More information www.guhring.co.uk